February 20, 1901

Tombstone. 

I walked into town tonight and shook my head, seeing Serenity and Nim back in town. I shook my head. I saw a man by the hotel and walked over to him, smiling. “Hi there.” He made a gesture with his fingers and shook his head. “You can’t speak?” 

He nodded and took out a small pad of paper, writing a note to me. “No ma’am. Name is Joe. I do cant talk. Why so quiet in town?” 

I looked in his eyes and then realized, “You’re the one who helped my daughter…” 

He rose an eyebrow in wonder and then wrote out, “I do not know. I am new to this town. Who is your daughter?” 

“She lost her memory but she said a man who couldn’t speak helped her remember. Thank you... so much…” 

He nodded with a smile and pointed to himself as I shook his head. I saw Lauren come over. “Lauren? How are you doing, hon?” 

“I’m doing really good,” she said with a smile. 

“I’m so glad to hear that. This is Joe... He doesn’t speak. He helped my daughter remember things.” 

Joe looked between us and held out his hand to shake mine, and then smiled at Lauren. 

“So things have been good since switching to Bisbee?” I asked. 

“Oh yes so much better” 

“Any other roses?” 

“It’s really nice a peaceful out there. No more roses.” 

“It sure is. Just wish my children were still there…” I sighed. 

“Which is kind of sad I kind of wish now there would be,” Lauren said. 

Joe looked at me and wrote down, “Where is children? Little girl ok?” 

“They’re both sick... with measles. Staying at the orphanage with the other children.” I sighed. “She has spots on her face... fever... coughing…” 

“Trin I’ve never had the Measles before,” Lauren said with a worried look as Joe nodded in understanding. 

“It’ll be over in a few days though I hope... I’m sure they’ll be alright,” I said. 

“I wanted to help out but I don’t want to catch it.” 

“Apparently it’s awful as an adult... I’m glad that I had it when I was a child.” 

Joe wrote on a piece of paper and showed it to me. “Kids are young and strong. Measles happens most all kids. They should be fine in a few days.” 

“Thank you, Joe... I’m glad you are here.. knowing that helps.” I nodded to him and leaned down to pet the dog that came over. The dog came over and plopped down to sit at my feet. 

Joe wrote out more on his notepad and then reached into his pocket for a pouch, holding it out for me. I read the note that said, “Tell Dr. if they burn this in room with children, it help kill germs, and with cough.” 

I smiled, taking the pouch from him. “Thank you Joe, I will bring that over now. If you’ll both excuse me, I want to go give this pouch to someone over there. Joe here knows his stuff... He helped Natalie remember,” I said to the dog as she looked at him suspiciously. 

I went over to the orphanage and knocked on the door, calling out, “It’s Trin. I’ve had measles and I’ve got something that might help.” 

The door opened up and Doll walked out to me. “Trin, have you had measles?”

“Abi, Doll... Good. Glad you’re here. I sure have.” 

“Need the undertaker!” Kris shouted then. 

“I also have something for you,” I said to her. 

“We have Natalie and Jimmy here,” Doll told me. 

“Dead bodies!?” Serenity shouted down the street. 

“Thank you.... I know they’re safe here,” I said with a nod. “I don’t know if you both remember that Natalie had lost her memory after our trip… She regained it after getting some herbs from a man called Joe. He’s a monk of sorts..” 

“Okay.” 

“Anyway... he gave me some herbs in a pouch that might help with their cough.” 

“Do you know what herbs are in it?” 

“He said if they burned this then maybe it will help.” 

“Is it sage?” Abi asked. “Burning that is supposed to be good.” 

“It’s ginseng root…” I said, opening the pouch. “Sasafrass herb and a pine moss. And a few leaves of mint.” 

“Should help. What about making tea from it?” 

“That might work.” 

Lilly walked over and asked how the kids were and she said, “I made the mint tea to help settle their stomachs.” 

“They all fell asleep finally,” Doll said. 

“I’m glad they’re asleep.” I smiled. 

“That’s wonderful. It helps more than anything,” Lilly said. 

“I trust this man,” I said. 

“Jade took Lizzy home. Shee will quarantine her there,” Doll said. 

“I am so glad I am not alone,” Abi said. 

“I hope no one else gets near her that hasn’t had measles though,” Lilly said. 

"Since she is medical I said okay. Besides, it will keep the grandma from yelling, ‘We all gonna die’ and scaring the kids. That was awful,” Doll said. 

“That makes sense. Thomas hasn’t had it yet so... it’s best he doesn’t come here. And they shouldn’t come home until they’re better,” I said. 

“Millard is staying with Angel and Ansar, and Xu is staying with Bree,” Doll explained. 

“I’m being careful with gloves on and won’t touch anything. Good plans. Anyone know how they got it?” I asked. 

“No, I think each day they will improve. We just have to try to keep them comfortable,” Lilly said. 

“Also Tigs had volunteered to help Abi and will be back tomorrow,” Doll said. “It is in the air.” 

“Oh good. Glad there’s lots of doctors around.” 

“They may have gotten it from someone coughing. Or sneezing near them,” Doll said. 

“Jeffery came down with it first,” Abi said. 

“Right…” I nodded. 

“I id get the soup made so maybe when their stomachs settle we can get them well,” Lilly said. 

“Well I should get out of here but... take this stuff and make tea or burn it. The smoke is what kills the germs in the air,” I said as Chris came over to see if anyone needed any help. “Take care of my children. We miss them deeply.” 

“We will take good care of your little ones,” Doll promised. “If they weren’t sleeping would let you in to see them.” 

“Thanks, Doll. I’ll come visit them tomorrow.” 

“Since Thomas has not, best you not come visit.” 

“As hard as that is I understand.” 

“Be sure to wash all you are wearing now.” 

“I will do. I’ll go to my office and change now,” I nodde and waved, saying goodbye to them after I made sure that Chris had indeed had the measles. I waved to him and headed back to my office.